Living in the Ozarks, we know winter weather may lead to school cancellations or early dismissals during the year. The decision to close or dismiss Lebanon R-3 Schools is based on many factors, but student safety is always the primary concern.

How Families Are Notified

• School Messenger: Our automated calling system is the primary method of notification. Calls, texts, and emails are placed within minutes of the decision to close school or dismiss early.

  • Parents are encouraged to update their child’s school whenever phone numbers or addresses change to ensure they receive these calls.

• Local Media: KJEL radio and Springfield-area television stations are notified immediately after School Messenger calls are launched. Please note that it may take some time before TV stations broadcast the updates.

Parents are allowed to arrange a Primary & Secondary bus stop only. The 3rd or more stops are the parent(s) responsibility to make other arrangements for their student to be picked up from school. NO daily bus changes can be made after 2pm.

As part of our on-going focus on safety and security, Lebanon R-3 is implementing a new safety procedure for making changes in daily transportation for Pre-K - 6th grade students. You will be given a form that requires names and phone numbers of adults you have authorized to pick up your child. In addition, you will create a code word for yourself and authorized persons to give the office in the event of a transportation change. For confidentiality, the form must be completed with the classroom teacher or office staff. It cannot be taken home and returned. Things to know... Parent(s)/guardians will create a code word for their student. Each student will have one code word. Siblings may share a code word. All adults, responsible for students who go to multiple homes, must use the same code word. Parent(s)/guardians and all authorized adults must provide the correct code word to call-in changes in transportation routines. A valid photo-ID is still required to sign-out a child. Parent(s)/guardians must notify the school in writing to change the code word. Parent(s)/guardians must notify the school in writing of any changes of adults authorized to pick up a child. For your child's protection, code words should only be shared with those who need to know. Code words should NOT be shared with the child. All transportation changes must be made by 2pm each day. Thank you for your review of these new safety procedures to help us further protect your student.